Evaluation of the microbiological quality of Minas Cheese produced by dairies in the state of Minas Gerais

Abstract

This work evaluated the presence of total coliforms and thermotolerants, Salmonella spp., Staphylococci Positive Coagulase and Listeria monocytogenes in Minas Frescal cheeses, produced by different industries from Zona da Mata region in Minas controlled by services of federal, state or local inspection, with an amount of 31 samples of Minas Frescal cheese. 77.4% of the samples were found with superior scores from that recommended by law for total coliforms, 54.8% for coliforms thermotolerants, 16.12% for positive coagulase Staphylococci counting and 9.6% for Listeria monocytogenes. None of the samples showed contamination by Salmonella spp. Thus, 80.6% of the analyzed samples were improper for consumption, to present one of the  microorganisms analyzed out of the limits specified by law. It leads to conclusion that Minas Frescal cheeses do not have satisfactory microbiological quality, which compromises the safety of the food for the consumer.